Course

Unit 1

Basic Concepts of Microbiology ? Spontaneous generation, Germ theory of diseases, Cell theory. Contributions of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Joseph Lister, Robert Koch, Louis Pasteur, Edward Jenner, John Tyndall, Sergei N. Winogradsky, Selman A Waksman, Alexander Fleming, Paul Ehrlich, Fannie Hesse, Elie Metchnikoff, Kary Mullis. Development of pure culture methods.

Unit 2

Prokaryotic Cell Ultra-Structure – Peptidoglycan structure and Archaeal cell wall composition, and Acid-fast cell wall. Antibiotics introduction and multidrug resistance crisis. Cytoplasmic matrix and components: Inclusion bodies, Flagella, Pili, Endospores

Unit 3

Concepts of Microscopy ? Principles, Light microscope, Phase Contrast, Darkfield, Bright field, Fluorescent, Interference microscope (Stereo microscope), Confocal, Inverted microscope, and Electron microscope (TEM and SEM) and Atomic force microscope. Measurement of Microorganisms- Micrometry. Staining- Simple, Gram staining, Negative staining, Capsule staining, Spore staining, Flagellar staining, Nuclear staining and Acid-fast staining.

Unit 4

Physiology of Microbes – Microbiological media, composition and types: selective and differential media Growth curve and growth kinetics. Influence of environmental factors on microbial growth. Nutritional groups of bacteria: overview Estimation of Microbes- Direct Microscopic count, Turbidometric assay, TVC- Indirect Method- CO2 liberation- Protein estimation- Maintenance and Preservation of cultures. Determination of decimal reduction time: D value and Z value. Introduction to biofilms

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

A basic course introducing the prokaryotic world with specific reference to the metabolic, physiological, and morphological characteristics of microbes.  

COURSE OUTCOMES:  

After completing the course, students shall be able to    

CO1.  Understand the contributions of pioneers in Microbiology.  

CO2.  Designate the prokaryotic cell structure and functions.  

CO3.  Establish the concept of microscopy and elaborate basic microscopy techniques.   

CO4. Understand the basics of microbial nutrition and methods of determining growth curves of bacteria.  

CO5.  Designate the basic principles of sterilization methods.  

REFERENCES: 1. Prescott, L.M J.P. Harley and C.A. Klein 1995. Microbiology 2nd edition Wm, C. Brown publishers. 2. Michael J. Pelczar, Jr. E.C.S. Chan, Moel: Microbiology, 7th edition Mc Graw Hill Book R. Krieg, 1986 Company. 3. Stainer R.Y. Ingraham J.L. Wheolis H.H and Painter P.R. 1986 The Microbial world, 5th edition. Eagle Works Cliffs N.J. Prentice-Hall.